Need some help with my 16

[guy with the red donzi]

Well I am almost ready to put my 16 classic in the water. I bought the boat a year ago and finally got around to finsh putting the engine in and resealing the drive. When I bought the boat it had a 383 that was shot. So I pulled that engine out and put a mercruiser 260 in it's place. The boat still has its volvo 280 on it. My question is what prop should I start out with on the boat? I know a couple people that have some volvo props laying around that I can try, but I was hoping to maybe some of you donzi guru's would know which prop to start with. thanks chris

[mrfixxall]

Well I am almost ready to put my 16 classic in the water. I bought the boat a year ago and finally got around to finsh putting the engine in and resealing the drive. When I bought the boat it had a 383 that was shot. So I pulled that engine out and put a mercruiser 260 in it's place. The boat still has its volvo 280 on it. My question is what prop should I start out with on the boat? I know a couple people that have some volvo props laying around that I can try, but I was hoping to maybe some of you donzi guru's would know which prop to start with. thanks chris


what gear ratio is the drive,,b,c,d??

[Kirbyvv]

I assume you have the 1.61 ratio for a V-8. Good props were hard to find until BigGrizzly got Solas to make some SS props for the older volvo drives. I have a stock merc 260 hp in my '78 X-18 with a volvo 280 drive. I'm running a Solas 21. Max's out at just over 5000 rpms.

[guy with the red donzi]

I am not sure what gear ratio I have. The tag is missing off the drive so I'll have to spin the drive by hand and count the rotations. So I guess I should start with a 21 pitch and see how the boats runs?

[mrfixxall]

i would start with a 23

[mattyboy]

If the 383 was a high HP application there might be a chance the lower is an "A" ratio 1.3 .


I would try a 23 if it is a "B" 1.6 and drop to a 19 or 20 if it is an "A" ratio

remember with GRIZZ's solas props add an 1-2 inches of pitch from what they are stamped 19=21 21=23 23=25


I still have a few volvo props, not sure which one I will use on the hornet, I'll know shortly after I water test it.

left in my vovlo inventory all left handed

23 alum round ear
21 spinelli SS
26 cleaver SS
23 solas SS
25 chopper SS
you're more than welcome to drag the boat over to greenwood lake and try any of the ones I'm not using ( the spinelli will be my starting point)

[guy with the red donzi]

Sorry for not responding back sooner but work has been crazy. Thanks for all the advice. Matty I might take you up on the offer once I have the boat up and running. I only have a few more things to do and I'll be ready.
thanks chris

[mattyboy]

not a problem, one night after work would work let me know

[guy with the red donzi]

Ok, cool. I'll let you know. thanks